Patent Grant
10352577
This application is based upon and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application 201510711798.5, filed Oct. 28, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure generally relates to field of water controlling, and more particularly, to a water controller and a water controlling method.
With improvement of people's quality of life, more and more users utilize humidifiers for moisturizing. Generally, the humidifier is provided with a water tank, a water trough, a buoy, and an atomizing sheet. When a water level in the water trough reaches a predefined height, the buoy controls a component to block a water inlet between the water tank and the water trough. When the water level in the water trough does not reach the predefined height, the buoy controls the component to open the water inlet between the water tank and the water trough, thereby water in the water tank flows into the water trough. The atomizing sheet is used for atomizing the water in the water trough and discharging the atomized water.
According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a water controller, including: a water tank having a first water outlet; a magnetic control assembly; a water trough having a water inlet, the first water outlet being connected with the water inlet via the magnetic control assembly; an electromagnet configured to switch between a power-on state and a power-off state; and wherein when the electromagnet is in a power-on state, a path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in a connected state under control of the control assembly; and when the electromagnet is in a power-off state, the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in a blocking state under the control of the control assembly.
According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a water controlling method, which is applied in any water controller according to the first aspect, including: detecting whether a water level in the water trough satisfies an inflow condition; when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, controlling the electromagnet to be in the power-on state and triggering the control assembly by the electromagnet in the power-on state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state, such that water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet; and when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, controlling the electromagnet to be in the power-off state and controlling the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the blocking state by the control assembly, such that water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a water controlling device, including: any water controller according to the first aspect; a processor; and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor; wherein the processor is configured to: detect whether a water level in the water trough satisfies an inflow condition; when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, control the electromagnet to be in the power-on state and trigger the control assembly by the electromagnet in the power-on state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state, such that water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet; and when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, control the electromagnet to be in the power-off state and trigger the control assembly via the electromagnet in the power-off state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the blocking state, such that water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings in which the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise represented. The implementations set forth in the following description of exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the invention. Instead, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with aspects related to the invention as recited in the appended claims.
When the electromagnet 140 is in a power-on state, a path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 is in a connected state under control of the control assembly 120.
When the electromagnet 140 is in a power-off state, the path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 is in a blocking state under the control of the control assembly 120.
Typically, when the component at which the buoy is located is used to control the water in the water tank to flow to the water trough, a shaft of the lever in the assembly is easy to be damaged. With the water controller provided by the present disclosure, when the electromagnet is in the power-on state, the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the connected state under the control of the control assembly, and when the electromagnet is in the power-off state, the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the blocking state under the control of the control assembly. In this way, the electromagnet is utilized to attract or repel the control assembly to open or close the water path, thus prolonging the usage life of the water controller.
The water tank 110 is used for providing water to the water trough 130, and the water tank 110 includes the first water outlet 111 and a water tank inlet (not shown in the drawing). The water flows into the water tank 110 via the water tank inlet, and then flows out of the water tank 110 via the first water outlet 111. In the present embodiment, the first water outlet 111 may be provided below the water tank 110, such that the water may flow out under the gravity without a water pumping device for the water tank 110. In this way, resources may be saved, and the structure of the water controller may be simplified. In the present embodiment, the shape and the size of the water tank 110 are not limited.
The water trough 130 includes a water inlet 131, and the water flows into the water trough 130 via the water inlet 131. In the present embodiment, the water in the water tank 110 is controlled to flow into the water trough 130, and the first water outlet 111 in the water tank 110 is provided below the water tank 110, thus it is proper to provide the water trough 130 below the water tank 110. That is, the water inlet 131 is provided above the water trough 130, and the first water outlet 111 is faced to the water inlet 131. At this time, the water in the water tank 110 flows to the water trough 130 via the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131. In the present embodiment, the shape and the size of the water trough 130 are not limited.
In order to control the water, it is also possible to provide a magnetic control assembly 120 between the water tank 110 and the water trough 130, and control the control assembly 120 via an electromagnet 140. For example, when the electromagnet 140 is in a power-on state, a path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 is in a connected state under control of the control assembly 120; and when the electromagnet 140 is in a power-off state, the path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 is in a blocking state under the control of the control assembly 120. In the present embodiment, position relationships between the electromagnet 140 and the water trough 130 are not limited.
With reference to
In the present embodiment, the first magnetic component 122, the second component 123 and the connecting component 124 form a component having a shape of “”. When the above three components are made of soft materials such as rubber, the first magnetic component 122, the second component 123 and the connecting component 124 may be an integral whole, and after squeezing the first magnetic component 122 or the second component 123, the spring 121 is sleeved on the connecting component 124. When the above three components are made of hard materials such as plastic, the first magnetic component 122 and the connecting component 124 may be an integral whole, and after the spring 121 is sleeved on the connecting component 124, the second component 123 is connected to the connecting component 124. Alternatively, the second component 123 and the connecting component 124 may be an integral whole, and after the spring 121 is sleeved on the connecting component 124, the first magnetic component 122 is connected to the connecting component 124. A diameter of the spring 121 is smaller than those of the first magnetic component 122 and the second component 123.
More details about the control assembly 120 and the water tank 110 will be described below.
In some embodiments, the first magnetic component 122 is positioned under the first water outlet 111 to cover the first water outlet 111 and closely contact with an outer wall 112 of the water tank 110, and the spring 121 is located between an inner wall 113 of the water tank 110 and the second component 123, and the spring 121 is in a compression state.
The first magnetic component 122 is a magnet or an iron. Alternatively, a lower surface of the first magnetic component 122 is provided with a magnet or an iron. The magnetism of the magnet is opposite to that of the electromagnet 140 in the power-on state.
When the electromagnet 140 is in the power-off state, the electromagnet 140 does not generate a magnetic force. Since the spring 121 is located between the inner wall 113 of the water tank 110 and the second component 123, and the spring 121 is in the compression state, the spring 121 will generate an elastic force upward to the second component 123, and the second component 123 will generate an tensile force upward to the first magnetic component 122 via the connecting component 124, such that the first magnetic component 122 is closely contacted with the outer wall 112 of the water tank 110. At this time, the water in the water tank 110 is blocked by the first magnetic component 122 and cannot flow to the water trough 130. That is, the control assembly 120 controls the path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 to be in the blocking state.
When the electromagnet 140 is in the power-on state, the electromagnet 140 generates a magnetic force. At this time, the electromagnet 140 will generate an attraction force downward to the first magnetic component 122. When the attraction force is larger than the elastic force of the spring 121, the control assembly 120 moves downwardly. At this time, the first magnetic component 122 is no longer closely contacted with the outer wall 112 of the water tank 110, and a gap will be formed therebetween, thus the water in the water tank 110 flows to the water trough 130 via the gap. That is, the control assembly 120 controls the path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 to be in the connected state.
Additionally, in order to improve sealing between the first magnetic component 122 and the outer wall 112 of the water tank 110, it is also possible to provide a seal ring 150 between the first magnetic component 122 and the outer wall 112 of the water tank 110.
In some embodiments, with reference to
The first magnetic component 122 is a magnet. Alternatively, a lower surface of the first magnetic component 122 is provided with a magnet. The magnetism of the magnet is the same as that of the electromagnet 140 in the power-on state.
When the electromagnet 140 is in the power-off state, the electromagnet 140 does not generate a magnetic force. Since the spring 121 is located between the outer wall 112 of the water tank 110 and the first magnetic component 122, and the spring 121 is in the compression state. The spring 121 will generate an elastic force downward to the first magnetic component 122, and the first magnetic component 122 will generate a tensile force downward to the second component 123 via the connecting component 124, such that the second component 123 is closely contacted with the inner wall 113 of the water tank 110. At this time, the water in the water tank 110 is blocked by the second component 123 and cannot flow to the water trough 130. That is, the control assembly 120 controls the path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 to be in the blocking state.
When the electromagnet 140 is in the power-on state, the electromagnet 140 generates a magnetic force. At this time, the electromagnet 140 will generate a repelling force upward to the first magnetic component 122. When the repelling force is larger than the elastic force of the spring 121, the control assembly 120 moves upwardly. At this time, the second component 123 is no longer closely contacted with the inner wall 113 of the water tank 110, and a gap will be formed therebetween, thus the water in the water tank 110 flows to the water trough 130 via the gap. That is, the control assembly 120 controls the path between the first water outlet 111 and the water inlet 131 to be in the connected state.
Additionally, in order to improve sealing between the second component 123 and the inner wall 113 of the water tank 110, it is also possible to provide a seal ring 150 between the second component 123 and the inner wall 113 of the water tank 110.
It should be further explained that in order to precisely control water volume in the water trough 130, at least one water level sensor 132 is provided in the water trough 130. The water level sensor 132 is used for controlling the electromagnet 140 to be in the power-on state or the power-off state.
When one water level sensor 132 is provided in the water trough 130, it is possible to control the electromagnet 140 to be in the power-on state and discharge water into the water trough 130 when sensing that the water level is lower than a predefined height by the water level sensor 132. The water level sensor 132 can also control the electromagnet 140 to be in the power-off state and does not discharge water into the water trough 130 when the water level is higher than the predefined height.
When at least two water level sensors 132 are provided in the water trough 130, it is possible to utilize one water level sensor 132 as a high water level sensor, and utilize the other water level sensor 132 as a low water level sensor. In this case, when sensing by the lower water level sensor that the water level is lower than a first height, the electromagnet 140 is controlled to be in the power-on state and water is discharged to the water trough 130. When sensing by the high water level sensor that the water level is higher than a second height, the electromagnet 140 is controlled to be in the power-off state and water is not discharged to the water trough 130. Thus, the water level in the water trough 130 can be precisely controlled. The second height is higher than the first height.
When the water controller provided by the present embodiment is applied to a humidifier, the water controller further includes an atomizing sheet 160. The atomizing sheet 160 is connected to a second water outlet 133 of the water trough 130 and is used for atomizing water in the water trough 130 and discharging the atomized water. Details about atomizing sheet 160 would not be elaborated in the present embodiment.
In sum, with the water controller provided by the present disclosure, when the electromagnet is in the power-on state, the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the connected state under the control of the control assembly. When the electromagnet is in the power-off state, the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the blocking state under the control of the control assembly. In this way, the electromagnet is utilized to attract or repel the control assembly to open or close the water path, thus prolonging the usage life of the water controller.
In addition, the first water outlet is positioned below the water tank to make the water flow out under the gravity without additional water pumping device for the water tank, thus, the resources may be saved and the structure of the water controller may be simplified.
In addition, the magnetism of the first magnetic component may be the same as or opposite to that of the electromagnet in the power-on state, thereby providing various implementation manners of the water controller.
In addition, a seal ring is positioned between the first magnetic component and the outer wall of the water tank, thus, the sealing between the first magnetic component and the outer wall of the water tank may be improved. Alternatively, a seal ring is positioned between the second component and the inner wall of the water tank, thus, the sealing between the second component and the inner wall of the water tank may be improved.
In step 301, it is detected whether a water level in the water trough satisfies an inflow condition.
In step 302, when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-on state, and the control assembly is triggered via the electromagnet in the power-on state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state, such that water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
In step 303, when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-off state, and the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is controlled to be in the blocking state via the control assembly, such that water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
In sum, with the water controlling method provided by the present disclosure, when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-on state, and the control assembly is triggered via the electromagnet in the power-on state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state, such that water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet; and when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-off state, and the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is controlled to be in the blocking state via the control assembly, such that water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet. In this way, the electromagnet is utilized to attract or repel the control assembly so as to open or close the water path, thus prolonging the usage life of the water controller.
In step 401, it is detected whether a water level in the water trough satisfies an inflow condition.
The water controller may sense the water level of the water trough via the water level sensor provided in the water trough, and then detect whether the water level satisfies the inflow condition.
When one water level sensor is provided in the water trough, a predefined height may be set. When the water level in the water trough reaches the predefined height, it is determined that the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition. When the water level in the water trough does not reach the predefined height, it is determined that the water level satisfies the inflow condition.
When at least two water level sensors are provided in the water trough, a first height and a second height may be set. When the water level in the water trough is lower than the first height, it is determined that the water level satisfies the inflow condition. When the water level in the water trough is higher than the second height, it is determined that the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, wherein the second height is higher than the first height.
In step 402, when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-on state, the first magnetic component is attracted via the electromagnet in the power-on state, then a gap is formed between the first magnetic component and the outer wall of the water tank, thereby the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the connected state, and the water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
When the electromagnet is in the power-on state, the electromagnet generates a magnetic force. At this time, the electromagnet will generate an attraction force downward to the first magnetic component. When the attraction force is larger than the elastic force of the spring, the control assembly moves downwardly. At this time, the first magnetic component is not closely contacted with the outer wall of the water tank any more, and a gap will be formed therebetween, thus the water in the water tank flows to the water trough via the gap. That is, the control assembly controls the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state. At this time, the water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
In step 403, when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-off state, and the first magnetic component is closely contacted with the outer wall under control of the spring in the compression state, thereby the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the blocking state, and water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
When the electromagnet is in the power-off state, the electromagnet does not generate a magnetic force. Since the spring is located between the inner wall of the water tank and the second component and the spring is in the compression state, the spring will generate an elastic force upward to the second component, and the second component will generate a tensile force upward to the first magnetic component via the connecting component, such that the first magnetic component is closely contacted with the outer wall of the water tank. At this time, the water in the water tank is blocked by the first magnetic component and cannot flow to the water trough. That is, the control assembly controls the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the blocking state. At this time, water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
Additionally, when the water controller is applied into a humidifier, the water controller further includes an atomizing sheet, and the water controlling method further includes: atomizing water in the water trough and discharging the atomized water via the atomizing sheet.
In sum, with the water controlling method provided by the present disclosure, when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-on state, and the control assembly is triggered via the electromagnet in the power-on state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state, such that water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet; and when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-off state, and the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is controlled to be in the blocking state via the control assembly, such that water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet. In this way, the electromagnet is utilized to attract or repel the control assembly so as to open or close the water path, thus prolonging the usage life of the water controller.
In step 501, it is detected whether a water level in the water trough satisfies an inflow condition.
Details of detecting whether a water level in the water trough satisfies an inflow condition via the water controller may be referred to the depiction in step 401, and is not elaborated herein.
In step 502, when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-on state, the first magnetic component is repelled by the electromagnet in the power-on state, and a gap is formed between the second component and the inner wall of the water tank. Thus, the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the connected state, and the water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
When the electromagnet is in the power-on state, the electromagnet generates a magnetic force. At this time, the electromagnet will generate a repelling force upward to the first magnetic component, and when the repelling force is larger than the elastic force of the spring, the control assembly moves upwardly. At this time, the second component is no longer closely contacted with the inner wall of the water tank, and a gap will be formed therebetween, thus the water in the water tank flows to the water trough via the gap. That is, the control assembly controls the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state. At this time, the water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
In step 503, when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-off state, and the second component is closely contacted with the inner wall under control of the spring in the compression state, thereby the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in the blocking state, and water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
When the electromagnet is in the power-off state, the electromagnet does not generate a magnetic force. Since the spring is located between the outer wall of the water tank and the first magnetic component, and the spring is in the compression state, the spring will generate an elastic force downward to the first magnetic component, and the first magnetic component will generate a tensile force downward to the second component via the connecting component, such that the second component is closely contacted with the inner wall of the water tank. At this time, the water in the water tank is blocked by the second component and cannot flow to the water trough. That is, the control assembly controls the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the blocking state. At this time, water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
Additionally, when the water controller is applied into a humidifier, the water controller further includes an atomizing sheet, and the water controlling method further includes: atomizing water in the water trough and discharging the atomized water via the component.
In sum, with the water controlling method provided by the present disclosure, when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-on state, and the control assembly is triggered by the electromagnet in the power-on state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state, such that water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet; and when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, the electromagnet is controlled to be in the power-off state, and the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is controlled to be in the blocking state by the control assembly, such that water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet; in this way, the electromagnet is utilized to attract or repel the control assembly so as to open or close the water path, thus prolonging the usage life of the water controller.
The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water controlling device, which can realize the water controlling method provided by the present disclosure. The water controlling device includes the water controller shown in
The processor is configured to: detect whether a water level in the water trough satisfies an inflow condition; when the water level satisfies the inflow condition, control the electromagnet to be in the power-on state, and trigger the control assembly via the electromagnet in the power-on state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the connected state, such that water in the water tank flows from the first water outlet to the water inlet; and when the water level does not satisfy the inflow condition, control the electromagnet to be in the power-off state, and trigger the control assembly via the electromagnet in the power-off state to control the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet to be in the blocking state, such that water in the water tank does not flow from the first water outlet to the water inlet.
Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction that has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention only be limited by the appended claims.
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